Spiritual “Know It Alls”

As we walk with God, it turns out that people who act like they “know it all” … don’t. And those who are quiet about things probably know a whole lot more.

14 Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else’s scrutiny.

16

“For who has known the mind of the Lord

so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Cor. 2:14-16)

Paul was dealing with a group of spiritual toddlers pretending to have a spiritual knowledge, making them “superior” to others. There is a false pretense we can carry about our spiritual knowledge or ability.

Most of the time, people like that are what I would call “walking resumes.” When you meet them, they have to give you their “resume” right up front. Verbally they list off what qualifies them to have you listen to them. I used to think that was how people treated someone if they met for the first time. I have since discovered it happens even if you think you know someone for decades. There seems to be a temptation to show how “qualified” we are in a situation.

Truly spiritual people, however, are different. There is a confidence they carry because they simply walk with God. They aren’t worried about their “resumes” or “qualifications.” God has qualified them. They don’t even need someone to “accept” their word. They simply speak what the Spirit is saying and let the Spirit take care of the response.

There is a walk with God we can have that doesn’t involve false pretenses. It doesn’t involve spiritual insecurity or a game of being “one up” on someone. When you are around someone like that, you will find refreshing for your spirit.